The recent study coinciding with the AMU minority status case in the Supreme Court has uncovered surprising statistics revealing that a majority of students in Muslim minority institutions are from the Hindu community. This revelation challenges stereotypes and highlights the inclusive nature of these institutions. The study, conducted by the Centre for Study and Research (CSR) in collaboration with NOUS Network, marks the first comprehensive attempt to map Muslim-affiliated higher education institutes across India.
The findings indicate that while these institutions are labeled as minority-run, they serve not only the Muslim community but also cater to Hindu students. This underscores their role as national and secular educational institutions promoting education for all, regardless of faith or culture. The reports emphasize the vital role of Muslim-run institutions in providing educational opportunities to vulnerable groups, communities, and female students.
Despite comprising a significant portion of India’s population, the Muslim community manages only a fraction of colleges and universities, with a notable lack of participation in national quality assessment frameworks. This raises concerns about the quality of education provided by Muslim-affiliated institutions and underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve their standing.
The study also sheds light on enrollment patterns, highlighting the underrepresentation of Muslims in higher education, particularly in institutions of national importance. While female enrollment in Muslim colleges is encouraging, there is a need to increase representation across all social groups and program levels.
Educators, policymakers, and stakeholders view the reports as a roadmap for improvement, offering insights and recommendations to address existing challenges. They emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making and advocate for affirmative actions to enhance access to higher education for economically marginalized Muslim youths.
Overall, the study underscores the significance of Muslim-run institutions in India’s educational landscape and calls for concerted efforts to address disparities and promote inclusive education.
